2027: ADC Will Not Field Candidates Above 55 Years, Says Factional Chairman

2027: ADC Will Not Field Candidates Above 55 Years, Says Factional Chairman

The factional national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala, has announced that the party will not present any candidate above 55 years of age in the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, saying the policy is aimed at promoting youth inclusion in leadership and reshaping the party’s future.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Bala said the proposed ADC candidate age limit is intended to create space for younger Nigerians to take up elective positions across all levels of government.

He said many political actors in the country are already too old to continue in leadership, insisting that the time had come for a generational shift.

“All the new illegal members are 88, 75, 90 years of age. They should allow us youths to step in and lead. My focus is to ensure that anyone over the age of 55 will not be a candidate of the ADC. It is high time the youths are given a chance,” he said.

Bala maintained that the policy would apply to all elective positions, including presidential, governorship, and legislative offices, as part of efforts to reposition the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

The African Democratic Congress has, however, been facing an ongoing internal leadership crisis, with rival factions laying claim to the party’s national structure.

The situation has been further complicated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has reportedly declined to recognise any of the competing factions as the legitimate leadership of the party, deepening uncertainty over its direction ahead of the next general election.

READ ALSO:

• NBA Warns Lawyers, Courts Against Interfering in Political Party Disputes
• Gunmen Wipe Out Family of Eight in Fresh Plateau Attack
• Germany Opens Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians, Africans

Addressing allegations that he is being backed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to destabilize the opposition ahead of 2027, Bala dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated.

“These people, judging by their history in their former political parties, are used to causing conflicts and strife. They are trying to do the same thing in the ADC,” he said.

Bala also reacted to his absence from a reconciliation meeting reportedly convened by former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying he was occupied with preparations for the 2027 elections and did not consider the invitation official.

He questioned the legitimacy of the meeting, insisting that party matters should be handled through proper ADC structures rather than informal discussions.

“We are planning for the 2027 elections and have a lot of engagements. I am not someone who has free time to attend any meeting called in someone’s parlour,” he said.

The factional chairman further insisted that the ongoing crisis in the party can only be resolved through strict adherence to the ADC constitution and proper membership procedures.

He urged new entrants into the party to follow due process, warning against attempts to influence party structure through informal channels or illegitimate means.

“The only way forward is for these illegitimate newcomers to go back, study our constitution and follow the proper process of joining the party,” he added.

Bala also responded to criticisms of his leadership, particularly comments about his age, insisting that leadership is determined by competence and divine will rather than background or influence.

Despite the internal wrangling, he reaffirmed his commitment to repositioning the ADC and ensuring greater participation of young Nigerians in politics ahead of the 2027 elections in Nigeria.

2027: ADC Will Not Field Candidates Above 55 Years, Says Factional Chairman